sidetrack
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To cause someone to become distracted from the main topic or purpose: To divert attention or discussion away from the intended subject or goal.
- To be diverted or to divert onto a secondary track: Literally, to move a train from a main line onto a siding.
Noun:
- A short railroad siding: A short stretch of track connected to a main line, used for storing rail cars or allowing trains to pass.
Usage Examples
Verb:
- The interesting question sidetracked the lecturer for twenty minutes. (The question diverted the lecturer's focus from the planned material.)
- Don't let me sidetrack you from your main task. (Do not allow me to distract you from your primary duty.)
- The train was sidetracked to let the express pass. (The train was moved to a siding.)
Noun:
- The old boxcar sat on a sidetrack, rusting away. (The railcar was stored on a secondary track.)
Advanced Usage
- To get sidetracked: A common passive construction describing the state of being distracted.
- I'm sorry I'm late; I got sidetracked by a phone call. (My attention was diverted by an interruption.)
Variants and Related Words
- Sidetracked (adj): Describing a state of distraction or diversion.
- The sidetracked committee never finished its original agenda.
- Siding (n): A synonym for the noun 'sidetrack' in a railroad context.
Synonyms
- Divert: To change the direction or focus of something.
- Distract: To draw someone's attention away from something.
- Deflect: To cause something to change direction, often in conversation.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms
- To go off on a tangent: To suddenly start talking about a different subject. (This is a conceptual synonym, not a phrasal verb of 'sidetrack').
- His explanation went off on a tangent and confused everyone.
Noun
- a short stretch of railroad track used to store rolling stock or enable trains on the same line to pass
Verb
- wander from a direct or straight course